SHATTERED CHAPTER 5 Denise wished that Mark had stayed home like he said he would, but she understood him still going to work. After all, they had discussed Denises situation, and there was nothing else requiring his attention. Denise, however, did not know what to do. She felt like going home, but driving four hours, alone, back to an empty house that may or may not have been bugged seemed like such a chore that it might as well have not even been an option. Denise knew that she was going to have to work from home, risking the possibility that the place really was bugged just so she could avoid Silas Greene and a place that was certainly bugged. How was she ever going to speak to Rick Ratner or Thomas Gaden again without every word being overheard? How could anything at all, for that matter, ever be done? It was all such a mess that Denise didnt even want to think about it. It took nearly twenty minutes of such thoughts racing through Denises mind, over and over again, before she finally said out loud, Nope! Im staying. It was only nine-fourteen on a Friday morning, and Denise had only one client, a client that was four hours away and in the hospital. There was little else Denise felt that she could do. That, however, was what had Denise worried more than anything else, more than her office and home being bugged, more than the fact that her firm she has built with Silas Greene would now be dissolved. Denise wanted to do so much more for Ricks case, but what else was there? The only witness had recanted everything, on tape, copies were made, and some of them were now hidden, but then, Denise realized that only one had been hidden. She had hidden one copy in her car, not the safest place. Mark had agreed to take a copy of the tape, but after discussing the situation, Denise had forgotten to give Mark the tape! With Mark at work and living four hours away, Denise was afraid to just leave a copy in Marks house and then leave. There were still seven other copies of the tape plus the original copy. Denise knew that she could leave a copy and then drive home to find places for the other eight tapes, or she could stay at Marks and make sure his copy was secure but risk someone finding her and taking all of the copies. There seemed to be no solid solution to Denises dilemma. Denise wondered if it might work to give the tape to Mark at work, but what if Mark didnt like that or forgot to put it somewhere safe? Also, Denise had not had a shower since the previous morning and had slept on Marks couch. She was pretty sure that she did not look or smell the best, which probably would have made a bad impression on anyone in Marks office and made Mark look bad. Denise was so nervous about the trouble she had found herself in that all of her thoughts started transforming into words, without Denise even realizing it. So, if I stay here, I can make sure Mark has the tape and be able to say bye to him. I could rest up and go home tomorrow morning. Nobody would expect me to come back on a Saturday. Theyre gonna think that Im still in the city today, probably even expect me at the hospital. But I have no clothes or anything here, and if I go back tomorrow, I cant put a tape in my bank box. If I leave now, Mark will probably get the tape and be able to hide it anyway, and I can get to the bank before they close plus get a shower in my own house. What to do? What to do? It dawned on Denise at that point that all of the tapes had been left in the car. What if someone had broken in and stolen them? Her car was in plain view, with a new stereo in the back seat, uncovered. Denise quickly ran outside to her car and saw no visible evidence of anything wrong. She glanced in the back. Everything appeared to be there. The doors were still locked. It seemed that everything was fine. No one had found her or her car. Denise looked at the sky and mouthed, Thank you! It all was still too much to take. Denise never asked for such a mess. Representing a client was never supposed to incur such damage or worry. Denise asked herself how someone could make another person so mad that they would set them up like this and put them and others around them through so much pain and trouble. Denise then thought she had better go but needed to talk to Mark first and make sure he had a copy of the tape. She began to reach for her cell phone and then remembered that it, too, might be bugged. She had ignored the pain in her ankle so many times, getting so caught up in the worrying and evading the men following her. Denises ankle now felt like it had reached its last uses. It throbbed, ached, and pulsated so badly that Denise wanted to bawl like a baby, but she knew she had to finish what had been started. Limping back into Marks house, Denise grabbed the nearest phone and called Marks office. She was put on hold by the secretary and waited for several minutes before the secretary finally came back on the line and said, Mr. Sanders is busy at the moment. He said to tell you that he will call you back as soon as he is able. Denise was growing more impatient by the second, feeling like there was too much to do. Earlier, she couldnt think of anything to do, but in moments, it had all changed. Getting the tapes secure was all that mattered. There was no way to fight the fingerprint and DNA evidence and prove how such evidence came to be if Rick had not been the murderer, at least not without proving who else was in Ricks house the night of the murder. Unless someone came forward and confessed or someone gave a description of someone seen that night in or near Ricks house, there was nothing else to do. Securing copies of the tape was all there was. All Denise could think about was how great it would be to have a new witness come forward or for some of the evidence to be dismissed. Knowing the lengths the people behind all of this would go to made the case seem more and more unwinnable. Denise imagined Rick spending the rest of his life behind bars, whether the bars of a prison cell or the window bars of a mental institution, and it was crushing her. Sure, Denise hoped that maybe there could be a chance for Rick and her to give romance a shot, but even if that were not possible, Denise knew she had to spend every waking moment ensuring Rick still had a life, a real life. Mark was a great guy, Denise thought, but he was too good of a friend and had a wife that might come back to him. Mark just wasnt an option, no matter how much he protested. No sooner than Denise finished that thought, the phone rang. It was Mark calling back. Hey, You. Whats up? Well, I was gonna stay, but I realized I have a bunch of these tapes, and I have to do something with them. I need to get a copy put up somewhere that can only be done today, so I have to get back home. But I wanted to tell you bye and make sure you had a copy. Can I bring it by? Even though she was only talking to Mark over the phone, Denise still scrunched her face as if Mark was standing before her. Ummm.... Yeah. I guess so, replied Mark, sounding confused. Ok. Your office still where it was, Denise asked. Yeah. Same as always. Ok. Be there in ten. Can you meet me outside? I promise itll be fast. Ill owe you big time, Denise said, knowing there was no way Mark would say no. Alright, but when I try to cash this favor in, be ready, Mark added, laughing as hard as he had the previous night. Hanging up the phone, Denise leaned down to rub her ankle, letting out a deep sigh of pain. She walked out the door and back to her car as fast as she could get her body to move with the intense aching of her ankle. Denise thought she remembered well where Marks office was, but it had been a good while since she had been there. Driving down street after street, Denise couldnt find the office. She finally stopped at a gas station and asked for directions. She found the office and realized it had taken her closer to twenty minutes than ten. Mark was nowhere to be found. Denise hurriedly parked the car and walked into the office. Stopping at the front desk, she said quietly, Im here to see Mr. Sanders. The secretary gave a slight scowl and replied, And who may I say is here? Denise Hunter. One moment please, the secretary said, still scowling a bit. Seconds later, Mark popped out of his office and motioned for Denise to come back there. Walking in, Denise noticed Mark did not look happy. What took you so freakin long, Mark asked. Sorry. I got lost. I thought I knew where this place was, but its been a while. Ok. Ok. So, did you bring it, Mark responded, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. Yep. Here it is, Denise said, pulling the tape from her inside pocket and handing it to Mark. Just remember you owe me. I believe the words were big time, Mark exclaimed, with a huge smile on his face. Mark already pictured the big time being at least a date, if his wife didnt come back. Hed finally get the wish hed had since the end of his senior year of high school to come true. Taking the tape from Denises hand, Mark never relinquished the smile. Denise smiled very intently back at Mark, the two of them keeping their eyes deeply fixated on one another. Finally, Denise broke the staring fest and began to walk around the desk. Mark, caught off guard, stopped smiling, his look turning to one of anxiety, not knowing what to expect. Denise reached out her arms for a hug, and Mark quickly stood up, completing the embrace. Denise leaned in and gave Mark a big kiss on the cheek and said, I could never ask for a better friend! I hope you know that. Youre my knight in shining armor. Im not always the friend I should be to you, but theres never been a time you havent been there for me. I really dont know why the hell Karen left you. Still latching on tightly to Denise, Mark replied, I kind of wonder that myself, but I dont think I was ever as good of a husband as I have been a friend. But oh well. It might not be worth trying to fix... but then again, if she does come back, Im not gonna be that guy anymore, the guy she thinks I am. Mark always knew that he wasnt over Denise. She was the one that got away. He had never really had her, but hed always wanted her. Even for the six years he was with Karen, he hadnt been able to get Denise out of his mind. He knew that was the real reason why he wasnt a good enough husband. He thought that maybe Karen knew it, too. Karen knew that Mark acted differently around Denise, and the way that Mark talked about Denise wasnt the way a person talked about someone who was just a friend. Denise didnt want to leave Mark, not when she had finally made an excuse to go see him and hadnt spent much time with him, but she also knew that she needed to hit the road. Nothing could get done if she didnt get back to the city. Well, as much as I hate to do this to either of us, I really have to go. You take care of yourself, and if you need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, you let me know. Lets not stay strangers anymore, Mark. I guess this is bye... for now. Letting go of each other, Mark couldnt find words to convey anything he was feeling. After staring into Denises eye and giving a half smile, Mark finally said, Definitely. Let me know how this whole thing goes and if you need the tape. Ill make sure I put it somewhere very safe. Please drive safely. You know I worry about you, and its a really long drive. I know, Denise said, looking as though tears might form any second. Walking out of Marks office and toward the front door, Denise felt a mix of emotions. She didnt want to leave and wished she had time to really catch up with her best friend, but the amount of relief she felt at having a tape in safe hands and knowing she was getting back on track was overwhelming. It felt as though giant weights had been lifted off of her. If anyone could and would keep the secret weapon safe, it was Mark Sanders. Denise found her way back to the highway and couldnt wait to see the miles fly by. Getting only twenty miles down the road, Denises cell phone rang. It was moments like these that made Denise wish she had learned to use her headset. Trying to maneuver the phone to her ear without taking her eye off the road, Denise felt like she was taking some kind of test she had not studied for and veered a little to the side. Hello, Denise said, holding the phone between her ear and shoulder. Hey. Its Rick. Oh. Hey. How ya doin, Denise asked, feeling a little ashamed that she had left Rick in such a hurry the day before and had not seen him or spoken to him since. Im ok, I guess. I wanted to let you know that they finally got my surgery scheduled. They had trouble getting everything set up with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Anyway, they got it all set up late yesterday. Its set for Monday at ten a.m. Ok. Would you like me to be there? Ill gladly be there before your surgery so you have someone to talk to and be there when you come out. Id like to do that, if its ok with you, Denise responded, not realizing that just saying such things made her smile exorbitantly. Yeah. Thatd be great. Id really appreciate it. I know Id worry less. I havent had any kind of surgery in many years. I know its just my hand, but still, surgery is surgery, and these things get messed up sometimes. My aunt had her hand messed up by having surgery on it. It was supposed to get better and only got a lot worse, so Ive avoided doctors as much as I can for a long time. The sound in Ricks voice proved that he wasnt dealing well with being so long in the hospital and the thoughts of what might happen under the knife. Ok. Well, I kind of know what you mean, not that Ive had anything like that happen to me or my family, but still, its quite understandable. Ill be there for that, and Im going to try to make it there to see you some time today. I cant promise, but I will definitely try. Ok? Denise felt like she was already sounding too busy to talk to Rick or to see him as much as she had been. Rick took it exactly like that and hoped that it meant Denise was making more progress with the case. Id talk more, but Im driving right now, and Im not good at doing both. I hope you understand. Youre still my top priority, Rick. I swear. Good to know. Be careful. See you later, I hope. If its not too much trouble, do you think maybe you could somehow sneak me in a slice of pizza? I dont really care where its from. I just need something other than this hospital food. They actually manage to make it worse every time, Rick stated joylessly. You got it! I think I can hide it my purse in some kind of baggy or something, Denise retorted. Thanks, Denise. No problem at all. Just get some rest, and hopefully, youll see me the next thing you know, Denise added, laughing a little at the end. A million things seemed to be racing through Denises mind at that moment, making the length of the trip appear to be interminable. Not only did Denise need to make time to see Rick and to get his food, but she had to get to the bank to deposit a copy of the tape, get home and get a quick shower, find something for herself to eat, try to figure out where else to stash the other tapes, and see if there were any way she might get a copy of the tape to the judge. If only the judge could hear the recorded testimony of Mr. Gaden, he might throw the case out on the grounds of possible tampering by the D.A. It would most likely lead to the whole D.A.s office being investigated, but at least, Rick would be let go finally. As Denise drew closer and closer to home, she felt constantly like someone was watching or following her again. She looked everywhere and saw no black sedan, but she could feel its presence in her vicinity. How could those guys possibly know where I am, Denise thought, overwhelmingly perturbed by it all. Still, there was no black sedan to be seen anywhere. Denise continued down the highway, checking every couple of minutes for anyone that might be tailing her. There seemed to be no one. Sure, there were plenty of other cars on the road, but none that looked suspicious. The thought occurred to Denise that maybe the guys on her trail switched cars, but there was no way to know for sure. The time it took to get back home seemed way longer than the time it took to get to Marks, even with stopping so many times. Why was this trip so much more dreadful, Denise wondered. After driving for what seemed like days, Denise finally saw the welcoming beacon of hope... the exit sign. She quickly veered onto the exit ramp and found herself back in the city, the good old city, where even though nothing seemed to make sense anymore, everything still made sense. Denise drove straight to the bank. The bank closed at five oclock, and when Denise pulled into the parking lot, she realized that it was already four-forty-seven. She hurried inside and found someone to take her back to the bank deposit boxes. She laid a tape in the box and closed it up, realizing that she had finally completed a big part of her mission. No one would get this tape out of a bank deposit box unless they pulled off a massive heist. Denise thanked the account manager and rushed back to her car. There was still a lot left to do that day, and Denise was determined to get it all done, no matter what it took. Figuring out what to do with the other tapes and how to get the judge to listen to a copy would be the most difficult tasks, however, and Denise had no idea how to do them. Denise no more than made it back to her car when her phone rang. It was Emily. Miss Hunter, I know youre probably busy, but the police want to speak to you. Theyd like you to come to the police station as soon as you can. Whats it about? I dont know. They didnt say. It doesnt sound good, Miss Hunter, replied Emily, audibly shaking in fright. Ok, well, if they call back, tell them Ill be there whenever I can. It might be tonight. It might be in the morning. Ive got a lot going on right now. Denise closed her phone without waiting for Emily to say bye to her. She still wasnt completely sure whether or not she could trust Emily. She wanted to, but at this point, she trusted very few people. Denise thought she had better try to reach the judge, although he was likely out of the courthouse. He had always been very cooperative and friendly in the past, even if Denise called him at home. Denise got into her car and was about to drive away but had the same thought, that she had better call the judge. The phone rang and rang, but to no avail. There was no answer at the judges office. Denise wondered if his secretary hadnt already left for the day and where the judge himself might be. She called back and let the phone ring for a long time, but still, to no avail. Calling the judges home, Denise got the same results. She tried calling the office again and then the judges home. Every time, it produced the same result. Denise felt frustrated and wished the judge had given her his cell phone number. Surely, he would answer that, no matter where he was. Denise gave up and thought that she would try again later. She hurried home and took the fastest shower she could remember ever taking. She grabbed a slice of pizza from a box in the fridge and hurried back out the door. Looking at the pizza, she remembered that that was exactly what Rick wanted he to bring to him in the hospital. She ate while driving toward a gas station that she remembered was on the way and had really good pizza. For a moment, she found herself feeling a little jealous. Her pizza was cold and not that good, only quick and easy. The pizza Rick was going to get would be hot, fresh, and much better tasting. Denise got the pizza and continued her journey to the hospital. The gas station had small baggies for their pizza slices, so it was perfect. Denise could conceal the pizza in her purse, and no one would be the wiser. Denise arrived at the hospital and felt very lucky. She found a great parking spot not too far from the hospital. She got out of the car and reached across for her purse and the pizza, stuffing the pizza in the purse and zipping it up, hoping that would be enough concealment. Hopefully, no one smells it, Denise worried as she walked as fast as her now swollen and pulsating ankle would allow. Denise got into the hospital and up to the ninth floor without any problems, but she was worried about getting past the nurses and cop near Ricks room. But then, she thought, Oh well. Whats the worst that they can do to me? The nurses seemed to not even notice Denises presence, but walking past the police officer, he gave a weird look and sniffed the air as if he was trying to decide what the new smell was. However, he said nothing to Denise and let her past him without any problems. Denise walked to Ricks bed to give him the pizza and talk, but he was asleep. So, Denise found a chair and waited. After waiting for a long time and running out of things to think about, or at least, that she wanted to think about, Denise flipped on the t.v. and fought to find something interesting, hoping it would ease her troubled mind. There was nothing that seemed interesting enough to take Denises mind off of things. It was the same usual garbage, Denise thought... mostly cooking shows, reality shows, and news. The last time that Denise had watched the news, it was the same day that Rick watched, when the story about him was aired. It had made not only Rick but Denise despise the news and vow to not watch it again until the ordeal was over. Denise quickly turned the t.v. off and paced around the room. Denise did not normally feel so agitated, but with everything that had happened lately, it was all she could do that didnt make her feel caged like an animal. When Rick finally awoke, Denise grabbed the pizza from her purse and handed it to him. Rick was so happy that he smiled bigger than he had since before he was arrested. Thank you so much, Denise! Hey, keep it down, Rick. The cop outside is gonna wonder whats going on, so shhh... Rick barely heard Denise. He was diving face-first into a world of deliciousness he had forgotten existed. Rick devoured the pizza like it was his last meal and licked all of his fingers, hoping to savor every bit of flavor. Still licking his fingers, Rick looked at Denise and tried to smile. That was delicious, Rick exclaimed, now able to smile. Good. Glad you liked it. You know, I made it myself, Denise replied, smiling just as big as Rick. Oh really? Wow. Youre a great cook! Marry me! Uh huh. Ok. Lets get married right here, right now, Denise said back, laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her chair. Now that weve had a laugh, where do we stand, Rick asked. Hed been dying to find out any new information but wanted something in his stomach, something good, at least, before starting. Hed been eating while in the hospital, but some of the food was so bad, he thought, that he might as well eat his bandages because they had to taste better. Well, I made a bunch of copies of the tape, Denise said, caring no longer who heard about it. She knew she had copies in safe places where no one could get them, so there was no use worrying about it. I cant say where, but there are multiple copies in places they cant possibly be found. Good, Rick replied, But what about getting one to the judge and seeing what he thinks? Im already a step ahead of you. Thats exactly what I thought... But... I cant reach him. I mustve called him at least a half a dozen times! Just saying this, Denise felt overly concerned about what could be done to ensure Ricks release. Hmmm... Keep trying, I guess. What about mentioning that I was never read my rights? Yeah. I thought of that, too. I doubt itll matter because the police say they did read you your rights. Its your word against theirs. They wont own up to it, so it might be useless. The judge might think otherwise, though, so it couldnt hurt to mention it. Just gotta be able to reach him first, ya know, Denise added, feeling more and more frustrated. Even though she had feelings for Rick that she couldnt deny and always felt so comfortable with him, Denise was still feeling frustrated, like she was being confined, the same as Rick. Denise had doubts about whether or not to tell Rick about the men following her, but she could stand keeping it secret no longer. Theres some bad news. I dont know how bad, but still bad. There have been two men in a black sedan following me. I think they may be the same guys who broke into my office. Im not sure that my partner isnt involved and didnt let them in. But anyway, Im scared. I dont know what to do. I cant go to the police about it because theyre part of this whole thing. So, all I can do is just keep working on this. I guess if they wanted to do something to me, they wouldve done it by now. What? Wow! I dont know what to say. Just be careful. I will. I mean, I am. Like I said, they havent actually done anything to me personally... only to my office and the tapes. I really think that they want me safe. I think that in a way, theyre watching out for me. They want me to take this case to court, for us to lose, and you to be locked up for life. Thats just the feeling I get. Its the only thing that makes any sense. They didnt kill you. They didnt kill me. They want us to do exactly as were doing, except for having the tapes or getting the judge to help us. Denise still felt frustrated, though not quite as much, now having unburdened herself and confided in Rick. She knew that he would be totally supportive, of course, because he was the defendant, but also because he was a very good friend. Hey, you dont think anything happened to the judge, do you, asked Rick, seeming truly afraid. The judge had been sympathetic to Ricks medical condition and cooperated well with Denise. If something happened to him, or he were replaced by another judge, things might become much less favorable. Naw, replied Denise. Theres no way. Whoever is doing this wants this to go to court and for you to lose. The only thing they might have to worry about with Judge Lankin is whether or not hell allow certain evidence and arguments. What threat can they see him as? Rick looked genuinely concerned that something was really wrong. I dont know, but I think its worth finding out and worth keeping track of the witness. Do you trust Gaden, asked Denise plainly. Tom might be a lot of things, including snoopy, but one thing he isnt is a liar. You couldnt ask for a more honest guy than Tom, Rick responded, looking to the door to make sure his raised voice didnt cause the officer outside to become suspicious. Lowering his voice, Rick asked, Hey, whered you hide those tapes anyway? Denise still felt uneasy with someone guarding the door and didnt feel comfortable saying anything about the tapes out loud. Whoever broke into her office thought that they had discovered all of the tapes. Even if the other copies were safe now, Denise knew it would be best not to alert anyone else to their existence or whereabouts. Walking slowly up to Ricks bed, Denise leaned down and whispered, One is in a bank box, and another is with a very good friend far away. If anything happens, I know the tape will be leaked. As long as we have that tape, we might just have the D.A. by the balls. Thats why I need Judge Lankin to hear it as soon as possible. Just hearing these words made Rick smile so big that it seemed to illuminate the room. This made Denise very happy. She needed to see Rick smile after everything that had happened. It was a relief and reward after seeing Rick cry so many times. Though this seemed like a respite from the worries surrounding Denise, it would be short lived. All of a sudden, Denise heard the officer in the hall say, Ok. Copy. Ill tell her. The officer came into Ricks room, and both Rick and Denise felt ominously fearful. The look on the officers face as he looked around the room, first at Rick and then at Denise, was one of disdain. Maam, you need to go down to the station, the officer said, coldly. Im not going anywhere. Im staying right here with my friend, Denise snapped back, not caring what the officer said. She knew she had done nothing at all wrong and could not be made to go anywhere. Well, Maam, if you dont go to the station, an officer is going to have to come here and question you in the hospital. Do you want that? Question me about what? I havent done a damn thing wrong! The most Ive ever done is get traffic tickets, Denise hurled back. She was aggravated and felt no need or desire to tolerate the cruelty of the police. Maam, this is serious. You need to answer some questions about Judge Martin Lankin, the officer added, now looking angry at having to deal with such obstinacy. What about Judge Lankin? Hes dead. His car went off the road, down an embankment, and into a tree, killing him instantly. You were reported to have seen him recently, and it is requested that you answer a few questions is all. Thats all I know, Maam, replied the officer, with his thumbs tucked into his belt. I guess theyll have to question me here then. Im not leaving my friend, replied Denise, still not wanting to cooperate with the police. Denise had never had good relations with the police, and with everything going on lately, Denise felt even less like trusting any of them. Ok, Maam, if thats what you want, the officer sneered. It was obvious that the officer was more than annoyed. He almost gave a half smile as he walked away, back to his post. Once the officer was back at his post, the overwhelming feeling of evil that had pervaded in the room was gone. Denise could not hold in her angst. What the hell?! How does a guy whos survived nearly sixty years, has a wife and kids, and is always one of the happiest people youd ever meet, suddenly just veer off the road and die? This isnt right, Rick! Realizing her voice was raised as she said this, Denise was worried that the cop outside would overhear. They were already following her, she thought, so why would she want to make them more aware of her words and actions? I know, Rick said, trying to whisper, but not quite able to do so. You were right, though. If they wanted us dead, wed be dead. If they can kill Lankin, they can get to us any time they want. Yeah, so if, by some miracle, we win this thing, theyre gonna go to Plan B... doing the same thing to us. They can make anything look like an accident if they have enough money. Denise was shaking as she spoke and still shaking when she finished. Leaning as closely as he could from his bed, Rick added, So what do we do? If we win, were dead. If we lose, I might as well be dead. Getting up from her chair and creeping toward Rick, Denise spoke as quietly as she could, It means I have to get a copy of the tape to the media. If they run it, it gets the public in an uproar and the D.A.s office under investigation, halting your case and opening every other case back up that the D.A. or his office prosecuted since hes been in. The D.A. will have the media, the state, and possibly, the federal government so far up his ass, he wont be able to do a thing. Chance are, hell be indicted, along with everybody that works for him. It might just blow this whole thing so wide open that youll never have to see a courtroom. They might even be able to trace everything back to Morlowe. The bad thing is, I dont know how Im supposed to do this without being found out. Im scared, Rick. Ok. You have two tapes put away, but where are the other tapes? You made other copies, didnt you? Yeah. I didnt know what to do with the others, so theyre stashed all over my house. I didnt really have time to think of anything else but just put them in several places so theyre not likely to all be found, Denise said, still shaking so much that she looked like she would collapse. Rick was very worried about Denise and wished he could reach out and grab her so she wouldnt fall. Unfortunately, with one hand greatly injured and the other hand cuffed to the bed, there was nothing Rick could do, except caution Denise. Please, Denise, sit down. You look like youre gonna fall. We dont need for both of us to be hurt. With a gulp in her throat, Denise responded, I know, but then, we cant talk about this stuff. Ill be alright. Ill just hold onto your bed here. Ok, Rick said, still trying to keep his voice from being heard by anyone but Denise. You know what gets me? This is all just coming back to bite me in the ass! I thought I did a good thing by representing victims of the so called miracle drug Eldona put out. These people were really suffering. Some were going through Hell from side effects. Others lost family, some of them, parents who though they were helping their kids by getting them on the drug in the first place. I convinced them to sue, won the case for them, and thought I was doing the right thing by doing that. But here I am, going through a Hell of my own because I tried to help those people get out of the one they were in. You did the right thing, Rick. No matter what happens, you know that, and I know that. Those people you helped know that. You made a difference. Most people dont do that. Morlowes pissed because you took a bunch of money from him and made his company look bad. Denise, though she was holding onto the bed, was still shaking so hard that she fell. Rick didnt want the officer to come back but knew there was nothing he could do in his current state. Rick yelled, as loudly as he possibly could, Someone help! Please! Help! Help! The officer was the first one to rush into the room, soon followed by a nurse. Before he could get near the bed and see what was the matter, the officer shouted, Whats wrong?! My friend, she fell, Rick shouted back. The officer rushed around the bed and saw Denise lying on the floor, conscious, but not able to lift herself. The officer quickly jerked Denise into the chair, pulling her so hard that he seemed more like a brute caveman than a modern police officer. The nurse began to check Denises pulse and pupils. Denise was breathing so heavily that it could be heard from across the room. I think she had a seizure, the nurse shouted. Officer, please go out to the desk and tell someone that you need a doctor in room nine-thirteen immediately! The officer ran out of the room, nearly knocking down another nurse that was passing by. There was no one at the nurses station, so the officer ran down the hall, trying to locate any doctor he could. There seemed to be none anywhere. He ran down hall after hall and found no one. Running back into Ricks room, the officer said, Theres no one at the station and no doctor anywhere! Rick was the only one that heard the officer completely. The nurse was still tending to Denise. Maam?! Maam?! Can you hear me, Maam?! Have you ever had this happen before? Are you epileptic? Denise tried to respond but could only make very slurred words come out of her mouth. Denises mouth drooped down on one side, and she could not even contain her saliva. Turning to the officer, the nurse shouted, Please, go out and try again! We need a doctor in here now! With her fingers on Denises wrist, the nurse turned to Rick and said, She should be fine, but theres no way to tell for sure. Sometimes, a person gets in a state of shock and breathes too rapidly, causing their pulse to race and a seizure to occur. Its more common than you think. If shes not epileptic, everything should be ok in a few minutes, but shell need to be checked out. If she is epileptic, it could be more complicated. But its probably not serious, Rick asked, afraid that Denise might have something seriously wrong with her. Taking her fingers off of Denises wrist, the nurse mumbled to herself, Ok. Pulse is down a bit. Good. Then, with her hand on Denises side, propping her up, and turning back to Rick, she added, Its more common than youd think. Youve probably heard of a grand mal seizure, Im sure. Thats what we used to call them. It could be that. If so, her whole brain is affected. It might only be a partial seizure, though. Right now, her motor functions are distorted. Unless this is severe, she should be thinking almost normally but cant communicate or control her body. Assuming her blood sugar is normal and that shes not overly fatigued, this was brought on too much excitement. If you get too excited about something, whether its good excitement or fear, your breathing and pulse become too much for your body to handle. Its almost like being in a temporary coma. You know what you want to say but cant say it and cant move. If it lasts more than a little while, it can be very very serious. A few seconds later, Denise began to show some signs of improvement. She lifted her arm on her own and became more audible. Still a little slurred, Denise asked, What happened? Blinking rapidly and looking very pale, she added, I couldnt move or talk. I could see you but couldnt do anything. I tried saying something. The nurse looked sternly into Denises eyes and told her, Maam, you had a seizure. Have you had seizures before? Are you epileptic? I.... I had one when I was a kid. That was a really long time ago. My grandma was epileptic, but I dont think I am. Ok. Well, were trying to get a doctor to come look at you. Your pulse is down from earlier, and thats very good. I think youre going to be ok. But you need to let the doctor check you out and see for sure. It could be serious. You might need to be admitted for some tests just to make sure youre not epileptic, said the nurse politely. Great, Denise thought. This is exactly what I need?! Hes in the hospital, and now, Im gonna be in the hospital, too! Feeling incredibly lightheaded, Denise tried to stand but fell back into her chair. The nurse looked gravely concerned and warned her, Maam, please dont try to stand. Just because you feel better doesnt mean you are better. It can come and go. Youre going to be weak for a while in either case. About that time, the officer returned. I still cant find a doctor! Damn it, the nurse shouted. When you dont need a doctor, theyre everywhere. When you need one, theyre nowhere to be found! Stepping into the hall and finding no nurses or C.N.A.s, the nurse began to walk down the halls, peering into every room for a doctor or someone that she could send to find a doctor. Realizing she was getting too far from the patient, the nurse yelled, I need a nurse or C.N.A. immediately! Report to room nine-thirteen! Walking back toward the room, she shouted the same order. After several minutes, a C.N.A. rushed into the room and asked, What did you need, Nurse Stone? I have a woman here who seized. It looks like she might be ok now, but she needs a doctor asap to look at her. Please go find me one. I dont care if you have to check every floor and even go to the cafeteria. Anybody you can find for me, responded Nurse Stone. Yes, Maam. Ill do all I can, the C.N.A. said. In no short time at all, in walked another police officer, this one obviously a detective. Is there a Denise Hunter here, asked the detective, rudely. As soon as the detective entered and began to speak, Denise let out a huge sigh of exasperation and then gulped. Rick felt it his duty to preempt the detective from bothering Denise in her state, still having not recovered completely. Sir, Miss Hunter had a seizure a few minutes ago. Were waiting for a doctor to come see her. I dont think shes gonna be much use to you now or any other time tonight. The detective looked distraught and glared fiercely at Rick. Guess I came down here for nothing! Looking at his watch, he added, I take it youre Ratner. Yep, replied Rick. Hmmmm... and Judge Lankin was presiding over your case? Is that correct? Yes, Sir. Did you speak with Judge Lankin at all, asked the detective, still giving an evil glare. No. I never met the man. The only stuff I ever knew about him was what I heard from Miss Hunter, Rick fired back, knowing that if he raised his voice, the detective might get mad but not really caring. The detective already seemed to be mad, and there wasnt anything Rick or anyone else could do to get the police or Morlowe off of Ricks back. Ok, then, responded the detective, without un-furrowing his brow. Without saying if he was done with Rick or not, the detective left the room. Rick thought that perhaps, not all of the local police were in Morlowes pocket. Some of them were investigating the judges death, which had to have been tied into everything happening. As the detective passed the officer outside, he turned and snapped, quite obtrusively, If Hunter snaps out of this, you radio in immediately so she can be questioned. Understood? Yes, Sir, exclaimed the officer. Denise was still shaken up about everything going on, and the presence of the detective didnt make things any easier on her. Suddenly, she began to convulse and slump to the side. If it hadnt been for Nurse Stone keeping her hand on Denises side, Denise would have once again fallen to the floor. Denise had no ability to hold herself up but fought with every fiber of her being to fight the second attack. As her lower lip once more drooped, the doctor finally arrived. Whats the problem, Miss Stone? I was told we have a young lady here suffering from seizures, stated the doctor. Yes, Dr. She collapsed to the floor a while ago, and she seemed to make a recovery. Her pulse came down. She was able to speak a little. Her breathing returned to normal. But now, shes having the same symptoms again. The doctor, after looking Denise up and down and seeing her second seizure hadnt ended, said, Give her a shot of Dilantin. That should keep the seizures under control. Im going to have her admitted and run some tests on her. Right away, Dr., replied Nurse Stone, letting out a deep sigh of her own. The doctor walked out of the room, and Nurse Stone followed. Denise, though she still couldnt speak or control her body, hoped the nurse was returning soon with the drug. Two seizures in a matter of minutes was two too many.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:44:05 +0000
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